Colombian Army kills ELN leader alias Niche in Bolívar

The Colombian National Army reported the death of five members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) following combat in the Corcovado district of Morales, in the department of Bolívar. Among those killed was an individual identified as alias ‘Niche’, a leader within the Simón Bolívar company of the ‘Darío Ramírez Castro’ war front.

According to military reports, alias ‘Niche’ had a criminal history spanning 11 years and was wanted for terrorism, conspiracy to commit a crime, and the recruitment of minors. He was also linked to a previous attack on the San Lucas military base that affected 14 service members and an aircraft.

During the operation, conducted by the Rapid Deployment Force No. 9 with tactical support from the Colombian Air Force, authorities seized six long guns, five multipurpose vests, and various amounts of ammunition and military supplies. One soldier was wounded during the exchange of fire but is reported to be in stable condition.